The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-20

and never heard the loud cheer that went I'D, telU
ing the town that the minister's children wera
found
Out rushed the startled women, and carried Besa
in to be blessed and cried over and comorted by thu
grateful mother, while the men went off as fast as
horses could carry them to the lumber camp which
all knew we'll
Bess was quito used up, and could only lie on the
SOFA ana be peted and praised by all the old ladeS
after word had been sent TO grandma that She was
safe S
Soon the chime of bells came merrily down tbs
long hill, and the runaways were laid in their
mothers arms, safe, but too sleepy TO do anythipos
but cry for bed, where they were speedily put, 81
cream of owls and cookies Christmas trees and
broken sleds till next morning.
The minister, who had been away at q wedding,
came back in time to hear the story that 'ght and
TO carry Bess home himself very proud and happy
nttle girl. She was quite satisfied with the thankI
and praises showered upon her, and thought thaE
would be the end of it. But the old ladies made n
fine plan for their pet and all the next ay in snita
OF their own dinners and gifts they prepared foy
the surprise in the evening.
Good things to eat warm things to wear n load ot
wood, and no end Of kind words and wishes were
the presents left at the door OF the little house that
Christmas morning. and Bess felt so rich It didn,T
seem rs II she could bear any more. But when a.
note came from Arty and Min asking her to como
up and see their tree, she glad to CO. and wrapg
ping grandma up In the funny old-fashioned cloak
ana pumpkin hood she liked to wear they droyo
away in style when the big sleigh came for them
IL was early in the evening on account of the
chiluren VINO were none the worse for their pranka
except bad colds and stiffness in their USUALLY
active little legs, They nearly smothered Dess with
Kisses ana hugs, understanding now that thev owed
their lives to her. and it was sweet to see the proud
air with which Arty led her in, and the eagerness
with which Min brought an easy chair-and nestled
into 1t beside her friend, not to mention the mothers
lace ana the fathers hand-shake as they welcomed
lnIi
caps and flock of children so there was cutie a
party to enjoy the tree. But first the minister made
little speech.
"Friends," he said 1--WE must wait a few minutes
whlle the candles are lighted, so will tell story to
amuSe you" He told the dear old story of tho
Babes in the Wood. But he changed IL as he went
along-he left out the cruel uncle and the bad men:
made it winter instead of summer SO there were no
blackberres To eat but cookies and milk; the Kind
Robin covered the babes with hemlock boughs not
leaves and best of all they didn't die but went
home safe and well to father and mother who
were kept alive for til, express purpose of thanking
that dear robin. There great laughter and clap.
ping of han Is among the Children as some teara
twlnkled out of the eyes of the tenderhearied old
ladies as they listened, but every one shouted
when the story endel, and the minister added:
My runaways went to find Christmas tree and
here is the one good fairies have sent them not for
their dolls but for the brave kind friend who ayed
their lives" Then the folding door flew open and
'o'" va .""io Ssopu VIC ioNeiest Httle tree eVeE
seen, all shining with candles golden fruit, pretty
CITY, and on the top great bright star for Bess had
told about the one she saw in the wood when she
prayed for help. All the children took hands and
danced about the tree until astonished Bess was
ready to go and take the presents hung there for her
by these kind people, who were glad to show their
gratitude in this pretty way. Among them In an
envelope was years rent from the minister all
manner of warm and comfortable things Tor grand.
ma, and for Bess scarlet cloak and hood to replace
tie old gray burnt and torn that night in tho
wood. IN w she looks like Red Riding hood but
won't let the old wolf eat her., cried Arty bound to
be her Knight for eyermore mo think she look3
like the robin redb:east that covered the babes with
leaves" began the minister, smiling at her, with hia
hand on her head. 'Yes, yes she's the robin she's
the good robin cried the children pleased with the
fancy And after that Bess was called Little
Robin" by every one who knew her, and the old
ladies were never tired of telling how she earned the
name